U.S. Government Quiz

Which of these events triggers reapportionment of seats in the House of Representatives?

• A change in House leadership

• A census conducted every 10 years

• The election of representatives every 2 years

• The decision of the House to authorize redistricting

Which complaint was the greatest barrier to ratifying the Constitution?

• It did not include a bill of rights.

• It had to be approved by all 13 states.

• It allowed too many people to vote.

• It created a weak central government.

Both quotations list what our nation's founders believed to be

• civil virtues.

• natural rights.

• the general will.

• the rights of Englishmen.

The Articles of Confederation reflected Americans’ fear of

• a permanent standing army.

• a strong central government.

• a threatened foreign invasion.

• a breakdown in law and order.

What determines the number of seats in the Senate?

• The Constitution specifies the exact number of seats.

• The number of seats depends on the number of states.

• Congress fixed the maximum number of seats in 1911.

• The number of seats depends on each state's population.

Which of these groups handles most of the detailed work of lawmaking in Congress?

• joint committees

• select committees

• standing committees

• conference committees

What does the Necessary and Proper Clause also called the Elastic Clause, give Congress the power to do?

• make any laws to carry out its constitutional functions

• intervene in state legislatures

• authorize the use of troops without declaring war

• impeach federal officials for wrongdoing

Which of these powers belongs only to the Senate?

• the power to conduct hearings

• the power to impeach officials

• the power to initiate tax bills

• the power to ratify treaties

Which of these is not a qualification for seeking the presidency?

• college graduate

• natural-born citizen

• at least 35 years old

• lived in United States at least 14 years

How does someone become a judge in the federal court system?

• by a popular election

• by a retention election

• by presidential appointment/nomination

• by passing a civil service test